If last Friday was any measure, it appears that this year’s Anderson Explodes! celebration is well on its way to success.

As one of the many fundraising events to help pay for the annual fireworks display, several service groups joined together to prepare and sell tri-tip sandwiches to the community for the day.

At last count, over 1,000 sandwiches were ordered in advance and countless more purchased that day. A rough estimate has $3,500 added to the fireworks fund.

A huge cadre of volunteers made the fundraiser a success. They came from the Anderson Chamber, the Rotary and the Exchange Club.

It takes more than $40,000 to put on the spectacular display of Anderson patriotism and every penny of it is community donated.

That’s what makes it so special for our community — it is truly ours and unique to the South County.

Spring is now here and will be gone in a flash making way for summer heat. That means there are outdoor activities in abundance for everyone and every hobby.

The Enterprise Lions Club will host the Anderson River Park Century bike ride on Sat., May 19. Early registration closes this Sat., May 5. You can see more at their Web site, www.centurybikeride.com. The Cottonwood Rodeo will be kicking off with their famous street parade on Sat., May 12 with wild action moving to the Bobby Jones Arena during the Mother’s Day weekend.

Then, before you know it, school will be out, graduations from middle school, high school and college will have taken place and it will be fair time at the Shasta District Fairgrounds from June 13-17.

On the government scene, we will see the second round of review for the “gravel pit,” the City of Anderson is working on another 20 years of plans for our community and the Anderson Fire Protection District is once again seeking funds from their district residents.

If you have an event or meeting that you would like the community to hear about, you can send them to us at the Valley Post via snail mail or email (news@andersonvalleypost.com). You can also post your own events on our Web site and skip the middle man. Check it out. If you have any problems just give us a call and we’ll help walk you through the process.